Anita Roddick

Ethical entrepreneurship pioneer who transformed global cosmetics industry through sustainable practices

Dame Anita Roddick (1942-2007) revolutionized business ethics through The Body Shop, founded in 1976. Her "profits with principles" model introduced:

• Cruelty-free product testing bans
• Fair trade sourcing from developing communities
• Recyclable packaging initiatives

Roddick's activism extended beyond cosmetics. She co-founded Big Issue magazine to aid homelessness and campaigned against Amazon deforestation through Greenpeace partnerships. Her 1988 "Ruby" campaign challenged beauty stereotypes using disabled models.

The UN Environmental Program Global 500 Award recipient (1993) proved ethical business could be profitable, growing The Body Shop to 2,400 stores worldwide. Posthumously, her ethical will continues funding human rights groups like Amnesty International.

Roddick's legacy persists through:

• Social auditing standards in corporate governance
• Pioneering refill/recycle retail models
• Community Trade ingredient sourcing affecting 25,000+ global suppliers